Free Fishing Weekend is June 9-11

By Patrick Massey

shared-use trails are professionally crafted by some of the world’s best trail builders to showcase the natural iconic beauty of the parks they are within while exemplifying the highest quality in craftsmanship, innovation and sustainability. Monument trails are seamlessly woven into the beautiful landscape of Arkansas State Parks to highlight unique terrain, historic landmarks and scenic vistas.

Arkansas State Park’s Monument Trails systems are found at Hobbs State Park-Conservation Area, Mount Nebo

State Park, Devil’s Den State Park and Pinnacle Mountain State Park.

The Monument Trail network offers users of all skill levels meaningful and enduring experiences in nature. The trails are accessible to everyone seeking an outdoor adventure. On these trails, hikers, bikers and trail runners will connect to a sense of extraordinary place and history while building lasting memories from each visit.

Monument Trails are created through a partnership with the Arkansas Parks and Recreation Foundation (APRF), a 501(c) start at 8 a.m. The derby continues through 10:30 a.m. that morning.

One weekend each year the State of Arkansas hosts a free fishing weekend. This year, Free Fishing Weekend will fall on June 9, 10 and 11.

Residents and nonresidents may fish the entire state this weekend without a fishing license or trout permit. If you’ve been considering a new hobby this is the weekend to try your luck in many of Arkansas’ fish filled waters. Regulations for waters still apply such as daily, slot, and length limits. If you decide hitting the water is for you, you can purchase a Resident Fish License for $10.50 and a Trout permit for $10. That’s a cheap investment for a good time and a reason to make up some big stories.

An annual tradition sponsored by the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission and approved by Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders, Free Fishing Weekend gives many people the opportunity to enjoy the amazing angling The Natural State has to offer.

This event is designed for ages 2 to 15-years-old. No fishing licenses will be required as youth under the age of 16 can fish without a license. Prizes will be awarded following the event.

For more information call the Mena/Oden Ranger District Office at 479-394-2382.

The Caddo-Womble Ranger District will also present a youth fishing derby this weekend at the Womble Pond. That event, scheduled for Saturday, June 10, kicks off with registration at 8 a.m. and the start of the tournament at 8:30 a.m. The derby will continue until 11 a.m. This event is being held for youth aged 12 and under in partnership with Arkansas Game and Fish and several Mount Ida-based businesses.

Prizes and awards will be presented at 11 a.m. For more information, contact David Probasco by calling 870-867-2101.

(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to enhancing parks and recreational opportunities throughout The Natural State. The foundation is funded through private donations and has been the recipient of several grants allowing the work to begin on Monument Trails. A grant from the Walton Family Foundation supported the development of the Monument Trails at Hobbs State Park-Conservation Area, Pinnacle Mountain and Mount Nebo state parks.

In celebration of Free Fishing Weekend in Arkansas, a number of fishing derbies are planned across the state. That includes here in Polk County.

The fishing derby has been scheduled for Saturday, June 10 at the Oden Rifle Range Pond. Registration kicks off that morning at 7 a.m. with the event to